Under the Mistletoe by Norman Rockwell

December 20, 1919 Issue of The Literary Digest

Under the Mistletoe, this Norman Rockwell painting, appeared on the cover of The Literary Digest published December 20, 1919.

The alternate title for this work is Old Couple Under Mistletoe.

This illustration was Rockwell's twelfth painting featured on the cover of The Literary Digest. The Digest featured Rockwell artwork on the cover nine times total in 1919 alone.

Starting in 1918 with the first cover, Boy Showing Off Badges to the last, The Night Before Christmas in 1923, The Literary Digest featured Rockwell artwork on its cover a total of forty-seven times.

This painting also appears in two Rockwell commentary books. It appears:

• on page 34 of Norman Rockwell: A Sixty Year Retrospective by Thomas Buechner and
• on page 51 of Norman Rockwell, A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Norton Moffatt.

The original oil on canvas painting is part of a private collection.

Under the Mistletoe

With this painting, Norman Rockwell initiates his tradition of having a Christmas cover on the cover of The Literary Digest in December.

Under the Mistletoe portrays an old couple in the middle of a embrace, looking lovingly into one another's eyes. They are about to enjoy a kiss.

The man wears his tuxedo and bow tie. He is wearing his best cuff links. He is carressing the face of his wife with his right hand.

The lady is wearing a fine black dress with white lace collar. Her left hand is resting on his lapel.

Judging by their dress, they are attending a Christmas party. The mistletoe overhead is allowing them to kiss in public.

The painted frame around the main part of the picture features holly leaves and berries, another plant used in traditional Christmas decorations.

Sailor Dreaming of Girlfriend	World War One Soldier Marching with Children	Courting Couple at Midnight
The Party Favor	The Valedictorian	Boys Playing Leapfrog
Boy Chasing Dog With Pants	Boy Asleep With Hoe	Man Leaving Work to Go Golfing
Boy on Stilts	Grandfather and Snowman

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